PEORIA, Ill. — Whitney’s Walk for Life raises awareness about depression and suicide prevention in Central Illinois.
The event, now in it’s 18th year, was founded by friends and family of Whitney Grotts after her death in 2004, after she took her own life.
This year’s 5K walk/run will be held Saturday, July 31, at Jubilee State Park near Brimfield.
Co-Chairman, Derek Booth, Director of Social & Emotional Learning with Peoria Public Schools, told WMBD’s “The Greg and Dan Show”, Whitney’s Walk supports suicide prevention programs and training at the Hult Center for Healthy Living.
“It’s definitely an issue that needs to be highlighted and addressed, and shared, that support is available. It’s important for kids to know it’s okay not to feel okay,” Booth said.
He adds,”what we want you to do when you’re not feeling okay is to be comfortable to tell someone, or to reach out for help.”
In the past 18 years, Whitney’s Walk for Life has raised over $1.6 million for suicide prevention programs and training through the Hult Center.
The 5K Run begins at 7:55 a.m. and the 5K Walk begins at 8 a.m. on July 31.
Registration is available online HERE through July 29th, or on the day of the event from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m.
